Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us take encouragement from today’s First Reading, both for ourselves and those to whom we minister.
The prophet and priest Samuel was a holy man, yet, the Lord told him he concluded too much from Eliab’s “outward appearance” in thinking he was God’s choice to serve as the king of Israel (1 Sam. 16:7). In addition, the great Jesse, David’s father, didn’t call for his youngest son until presenting his seven older brothers to Samuel.
So, from the perspective of man, and one could argue the world in general as well (think, e.g., of Goliath), young David didn’t look like he had an auspicious future in serving the Lord. But God had other plans. Similarly, we might not have all of the natural gifts we desire and yet God can use us — and use us powerfully — if only we have a good heart. And having a good heart—i.e., growing in holiness—is something of which we’re all capable, because it’s a matter of responding to the grace God offers us all daily, despite our weaknesses or imperfections.
Nunc Coepi
Nunc coepi (“Begin again”)—as Ven. Bruno Lanteri summarizes well — is a good life maxim for all of us. If we wait on the Lord, and make ourselves available to the Lord, the Lord can work wonders in our lives and so through us. And when we falter, whether through human failure or moral wrongdoing, the Lord is there to begin again with us (see Matt. 6:33).
So, let us take heart in our walk with the Lord, realizing that we might not see this side of the grave all of the fruit he works through us; yet, if we seek him first in our personal and professional vocations, the Lord will bless us abundantly (John 10:10; Rom. 8:28).
Do Not Rely on Self
And let us learn from the moral failures of King David. He transgressed when he took his eyes off the Lord and relied on himself, including when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, had her husband Uriah killed, and pridefully took a census that God did not order. Still, God continued to work through David after he repented. Therefore, let us repent where needed and encourage others to do the same, especially if they have sinned gravely, instead of losing heart and despairing.
The parable of the Good Shepherd (Luke 15:3-7) reminds us that the Lord is not simply waiting for us to repent, but rather seeks us out as the shepherd does his lost sheep and offers us his merciful grace — so that we will be more inclined to repent. Let us, then, take advantage of God’s blessings, including his mercy, and encourage others to do the same.
